Brandy D.
Let's be realistic, Christmas is now less than 2 months away. How will you find your holiday spirit?
Over the past 10 years I have learned my family would rather make memories that last a lifetime, than have "stuff" that ends up in the local donation bins within the year. So, for the most part we look for things to do and ways to bring Christmas cheer, not things to buy for the holiday season.
If there is something they need though I will definitely purchase it, but I try not to go overboard anymore with "stuff".
To reiterate, most of my families Christmas comes from the memories we make together, we volunteer a ton at this time of the year. We help with several food give aways and toy/clothing drives. We have also made up packages of essential items such as snacks, personal care items and socks and put them in local blessing boxes for people who may need them, during the cold months.
We also go to alot of open events that are free to the public. Christmas displays, open houses to historical monuments that decorate for the holidays, light shows, holiday vendor events and festivals. This will definitely make you feel festive.
By doing these types of things we become closer as a family and feel the spirit of Christmas. My family has learned through these experiences it isn't about their gifts under the tree, it's about the gifts we give to others that makes Christmas what it is.